The “Bluegrass and Beyond” concert series was launched in 2004 by the Del Mar Foundation’s Cultural Arts Committee, led by Betty Wheeler, a former DMF Board member and former Cultural Arts chair, with support from the San Diego Bluegrass Society. The inaugural performance brought together acclaimed instrumentalists Todd Phillips, David Grier, Matt Flinner, and Gabe Witcher on January 18, 2004. Now entering its 14th year, Bluegrass and Beyond strives to bring nationally-recognized bluegrass and acoustic musicians to the Del Mar Powerhouse. With seating limited to about 120 attendees, the Powerhouse is a very intimate venue, providing up-close views of world class musicians. For many reasons, most concerts sell out quickly! Past performances include 15-time IBMA Dobro Player of the Year Rob Ickes, three-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Claire Lynch, the legendary Desert Rose Band featuring Byrds founding member (and Del Mar-area local in his youth) Chris Hillman, and outstanding young bands such as The Barefoot Movement and the Railsplitters.

I’ve attended many of the Bluegrass and Beyond concerts in my role as photographer and Communications Chair for the Del Mar Foundation where they have become one of my favorite events. Even behind the back row, I always feel like I am right up close to the musicians. The upstairs seating provides an even more unique view that you’re just not going to experience at many other venues. Over my comparatively recent tenure, I have been fortunate enough to see Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands and Rob Ickes with Trey Hensley in 2014; The John Jorgenson Quintet, The Claire Lynch Band, Blue Highway and the Railsplitters in 2015; The Gibson Brothers, and the Barefoot Movement in 2016; and most recently the Railsplitters in March of 2017. I can’t wait to hear who the Bluegrass and Beyond series brings to the Powerhouse next!

For the earliest opportunity to buy tickets for Bluegrass and Beyond concerts, follow us on Facebook (@DelMarFoundation) or Twitter (@DelMarFound), or sign up for our email list at delmarfoundation.org and be sure to check Bluegrass Concerts as an area of interest. You’ll be among the first to know about upcoming events.